It’s Google’s turn to jostle with Apple AirPods Pro in the specific-but-still-lucrative ‘Wireless Earbuds Made by a Major Player in the Smartphone Industry‘ market. Samsung Galaxy Buds+ and Huawei FreeBuds 3 series both offered something appropriately different to Apple’s venerable Pods while still plainly following Apple’s lead. Google Pixel Buds do much the same; offering a premium alternative while attempting to harness their own expertise.
Before we begin, it’s worth noting that this is the second product of this name so some of you will know the set as Google Pixel Buds 2 or Pixel Buds 2nd Gen.
Iconic Aesthetic, Fast Fit
Our review model Google Pixel Buds wear the same simple two-tone branding as Google’s many hardware ventures. While closed, the matted white and single wraparound black stripe whisper ‘Pixel’. It’s an inviting look.
Once open, that black stripe extends to fill the open section save for the two buds. The buds’ white face-plates and their solitary ‘G’ logo stand out in this small, secret sea of black. The buds themselves are mostly black aside from the aforementioned face-plate – a nice contrast to the mostly white case.
The buds are notably small. When worn they sit flush to the ears – suitably unobtrusive and understated for a Google device. The case itself is also wee for its class. At about 63mm long and only 25mm thick, it’s a pocketable package.
The set comes with three different sizes of silicone tip in the box as well as a ‘small-ish’ set already installed on the buds; please excuse the technical jargon. Luckily, the installed pair were the correct size for me. A small black silicone limb secured each bud into its respective pinna.
As with all buds, no matter how well designed, there will be a subset of people who can’t get them to stay in. Even Samsung Galaxy Buds+ with their two silicone areas, both of which can be replaced with differing sizes of bumper and buds, have potential customers who just cannot wear them properly.
Bright Soundscape
The default sound on Google Pixel Buds is mid-heavy and a bit bright for my liking. Coming from larger drivers, especially those of over-ear headphones, Pixel Buds’ may sound clinical and cold. Some people will like the stock sound but many of you will prefer a bassier, richer output.
Pixel Buds don’t have a dedicated app to control their EQ or other sound options. Instead, you’ll have to boost the bass or add some faux-surround on your various media players. If your chosen player doesn’t have one, you will need a third-party plugin or app to make changes that really should be integrated into the Pixel app.
Pixel Buds’ 12mm drivers are capable of producing presence in the low-end but it tends to be an aggressive sound no matter how you tweak the EQ. A smooth and rounded sound is just not within its range.
The drivers used in Google Pixel Buds are agile enough to produce wonderful clarity. This delicacy also allows an excellent soundstage – a boon for fans of cinema or highly-polished music.
The lack of active noise-cancellation is offset by an excellent seal. Walking around in traffic or working in a loud public area is a forte of this approach. The venting did its job of letting me hear potential hazards and avoiding the ‘underwater’ feel caused by overpressure
Focused on Functionality
The considered design of Google Pixel Buds allows for a large touch area. This makes finding the sweet spot a little more consistent than AirPods and FreeBuds but also allows for an enhanced range of touch functions.
The usual play/pause/next/previous and Google Assistant (even if always-on is enabled) are here; just tap the appropriate number of times or press and hold respectively. The additional swipes for volume up/down are intuitive and about as consistent as the other taps.
Another thoughtful choice was two LEDs on the front of the case. One is visible through the white casing when closed while the other is easily visible from the angle you would be holding the case while taking the buds out.
Battery life is about average for premium wireless buds at 24 hours in total; up to five in the buds themselves. Both are very useful figures but there are others raising the bar in this respect.
The case can charge via Qi-enabled chargers, charging at 5W. This isn’t a particularly quick way to charge but it does allow you to charge from reverse wireless charging-capable phones like Samsung Galaxy S20 Series, Huawei Mate and Huawei P-Series.
Applying Their Special Skills
Samsung can boast sound quality for their buds, leveraging their ownership of AKG by Harman. Huawei have their ability to cram features in at aggressive prices. Google are pinning their hopes on other arms of their tech empire; offering live translation and an always-on Google Assistant.
Live translate leans heavily on your phone to power the service so you will need an Android device (version 6.0 or later) to take advantage of it. The method for translation is easy enough to get used to – touching the left ear touchpad records your voice in whatever language you are using and then plays back a translation through your phone. The phone then listens to the other language and plays back that translation to your earbuds.
The other big feature is that by simply saying “Hey Google”, you can bring forth your AI assistant. This takes a touch out of the process and lets the Buds be an true extension of your Android phone in this respect.
Justifying that Price-Tag
Google Pixel Buds (2020) don’t offer anything extraordinary, relying on a competent design and some highly-marketable features instead. Translation and Always-On Assistant elevate the device above mere earphones
While the battery life and audio quality are quite average in their class and others may beat it in either area, the whole Pixel Buds package adds up to a solid investment.
Google Pixel Buds provided by Google
